A review of current research and literature about women in higher education is presented in this monograph in the context of equality of opportunity. The following areas are addressed: the status of women students, institutional practices that affect the participation of women students, the socialization process, women's studies and women's colleges, women faculty and administrators, academic careers, legislation pertaining to the rights of women in higher education and current enforcement efforts, and recommendations for the future to achieve greater equality. The research indicates that there have been and continue to be powerful constraints affecting the participation of women; the status of women as students and employees is still not equal to that of men. Reasons for the discriminatory situation are documented and examined, although there are limitations in the information provided by available research. Recommendations consist of five steps that institutions, agencies, and organizations can take to increase the participation of women in higher education. A bibliography is included. (SW)